Dorothy Shaffer Scalvini was born on June 20,1932 and passed away peacefully on February 16, 2022.

Dorothy was born in Longview, Washington. Her family migrated south to Fortuna in 1949. She attended her last two years of high school in Fortuna and graduated from Fortuna Union High School in 1951. Soon after high school she met and married the love of her life, Rocco Scalvini. They were married on June 20, 1953 in Ferndale at the Assumption Church. They moved to Ferndale soon after where they had their own dairy. During this time, she worked for Primo Marca at the Bakery in Ferndale. Many years later, they bought J&W Liquors in Ferndale where she was affectionately known as Mrs. Rocco by the locals.

Dorothy’s favorite pastime was reading. Wherever she went, she had a book in her purse. Her other love was the ocean. She could spend hours walking along the shore looking for shells and rocks.

Dorothy’s greatest love was her family. She loved them more than life itself and was always there when someone was in need of her help. She was also known for her kind heart and her signature beautiful white hair.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Rocco Scalvini Jr, her mother Frances Shaffer, step-father Stanley Shaffer, her father Lawrence Townsend, and her brother John Shaffer.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Cathy Scalvini, her granddaughters Emma and Lauren Scalvini, her sister Helen Demello, and sister-in-law Joan Shaffer. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews who all meant that world to her.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Ferndale Fire Department for their quick responses and to Hospice of Humboldt for their amazing support during this difficult time.

The family is so blessed to have had her in their lives for so long. She will be greatly missed. Dorothy requested no funeral and will be buried with her late husband at Ferndale Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt or the Ferndale Fire Department.

###

The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Dorothy Scalvini’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.